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On 25 January 2016

Mobile App Testing: Tips and Tricks

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Mobile is flourishing, and that’s great! But with multiple operating systems, a huge amount of their versions and billions of devices on the market how can you be sure that your app delights your target audience everywhere and every time? In this article, TestLab4apps shares tips and tricks that can help you improve the quality of the application and meet needs of demanding users.

1. Test Target OSs and Their Versions

Some tech experts use emulators for application testing. And it is good because an emulator is a powerful tool that makes app testing easier and cheaper. However, emulators lack many features inherent only to real operating systems. Considering Murphy’s Law, any missing feature in the emulator that CAN go wrong in the real environment, WILL go wrong and cause troubles. So, before release, test an application using target OSs on physical mobile devices.

Moreover, it is necessary to check how your application works on different versions of the target operating system. For example, if your application is intended to work on iOS 9, then try 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, etc.

2. Test UI on Screens of Different Sizes

A burning issue, especially for Android, is application testing on screens of different sizes. The final product should look its best and work stable on mobile devices regardless of their screen size. So, for application testing, try to find as many as possible gadgets with all screen sizes.

If the related devices have the same screen size (e.g. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S), then there is no necessity to work with two devices at the same time. It is enough to test an application on one of the gadgets.

3. Test Applications under Different Network Speed

Not all applications need a network connection. But when your mobile product requires the Internet, it is an absolute must to test it under different network speed. Sometimes, the application can work seamlessly with a broadband mobile network and malfunction with a slow internet connection.

4. Test How Applications Work Offline

Quite often, a cellular network and Wi-Fi hotspots are not available. It means you should be sure that the application works impeccably offline and provides an engaging, intelligent and innovative user experience.

For example, a user has downloaded your app that requires registration. He/she opens a Registration form, fills it in; but while clicking Submit, a connection disappears. If the application has not completed its action, it is necessary to display a notification about the issue. Otherwise, your users may be disappointed with your product.

5. Test Battery Consumption

Applications get more complex and drain batteries faster now. That is the reason the number one complaint among all cell phone users is battery life. To avoid such kind of problem, test your app’s appetite and ensure efficient battery consumption.

6. Check App’s Influence on Other Device’s Features

Keep in mind that a mobile phone (even a modern one) is still a tool primarily used for communication. So, make sure that your app doesn’t prevent a user from using this core feature and doesn’t affect other apps performance. Additionally, check whether a cell phone shows system notifications.

7. Regional Peculiarities

If your application is available in several languages (in other words, it is localized), then test an app even more thoroughly. Localization is much more than translation. It is a modification of the application reflecting cultural and language background of the user. Thus, such details as icons, images, design, time and date formats should be also considered during app testing.

8. Follow Platform’s Guidelines

Every mobile platform (Android, iOS or Windows Phone) has its own guidelines for creating applications. These standards cover a range of topics, such as user interface design, content, functionality, and the use of technologies. So, if you want your app to work seamlessly with the platform, ensure your app complies with these guidelines.

Conclusion

Businesses worldwide are challenged to cope with the accelerating pace of technology evolution and extreme market competition. This reality requires more sophisticated approaches to development and application testing. The ability to create a high-quality application with a great customer experience defines your success.

About TestLab4apps

TestLab4apps is a highly specialized service for testing mobile applications. We developed state-of-the-art testing methods applied within a well-structured combination of manual and automated testing. Our in-house technology lab is permanently equipped with emulators, simulators and a rich set of latest real devices (Android, iOS, Windows).